Harness.



No. 683,960. Patented Oct. 8, I901.

F. M. MARQUIS.

HARNESS.

(Application filed. Nov. 21', 1900.) (No Model.) 2-Sheets-Sheet I.

N0. '683,960. Patented" 00i". 8, 190i r. m. niAnuuls;

HARNESS.

(Applidation filed Nov. 21, 1900.,

m: NORRIS veTzns cc moraumu, wumnpmn, 04 c NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANCIS M. MARQUIS, OF NATIONAL HOME, VISCONSIN.

HARNESS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 683,960, dated October 8, 1901.

Application filed November 21, 1900- Serial No. 37,257. (N model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRANCIS M. MARQUIS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Na tional Home, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented new and useful Improvements in Harn ess,of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in combined thill-holders and hold backs for harness, and is especially adapted for use in connection with single harness. Its primary object is to provide improved means whereby the movement of the shafts within the holder beyond a desired point is prevented when back pressure is exerted thereupon.

A further object is to so construct the 1101- der that the same will promptly slip from the shafts when the traces are detached or broken.

The invention consists in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter more fully described and claimed, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, showing the preferred form of my invention, and in ivhich- Figure 1 is a view showing the device as in use. Fig. 2 is a section through a sleeve, showing the same in position upon a shaft. Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the sleeve shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of said sleeve, showing the straps secured thereto. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the end of the shaft.

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference, 1 is a shaft which is provided at a point between its ends with a collar 2, secured thereto. The shaft is adapted to project through a sleeve of peculiar construction, and the collar upon the shaft normally lies within said sleeve and prevents backward movement thereof upon the shaft. This sleeve comprises two semicylindrical sections 3 3, which are hinged together at one edge and which are connected at the rear end by means of aspring-loop 4, which serves to hold the parts normally closed. Each of these sections 3 is covered with a layer of leather or similar material having loops 5 therein, whereby the saddle and belly-band may be secured to the sleeve. An annular shoulder 6 is formed within the sleeve, at the front end thereof, and is adapted to contact with the forward face of the collar 2 when the same is in position within the sleeve.

A strap 7 is adapted to be inserted into the loops 5 of the sleeve, and a buckle 8 is provided at the upper side of the sleeve and is adapted to be se-' cured to the saddle-hanger 9, while a triangular loop or ring 10 is loosely mounted upon the strap 7 at a point below the sleeve. This ring is adapted to be engaged by a snap-hook 11, formed with and extending from one end of a buckle 12, adapted to engage the bellyband of the harness. A breeching-strap 14 is secured in any suitable manner to the loop 4 before referred to, the thill-holder, and the breeching-strap, thus constituting a permanent part of the harness. It will be seen that by this construction when it is desired to attach a horse to a wagon, carriage, or other vehicle the shafts 1 are inserted into the sleeves until the collars 2 contact with the shoulders 6, and as soon as the traces are fastened in position the horse is securely harnessed within the shaft.

By providing a wire loop 4., such as hereinbefore described, the sections 3 of the sleeve are held firmly clamped upon the shaft at all times, and thereby preventing the same from opening to permit the collar 2 to slip through the shoulder 6.

In the foregoing description I have shown the preferred form of my invention; butIdo not limit myself thereto, as I am aware that modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or sacrificing the advantages thereof, and I therefore reserve the right to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of my invention.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

The combination with a shaft having a collar thereon; of a sleeve formed of hinged sections; a spring-loop the ends of which are secured to said sections and thereby retaining the sections normally in closed position, said loop being adapted to receive, and be secured to, a breeching; and a strap inclosing the sleeve and adapted to be secured to the saddle-hanger and belly-band or strap.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

FRANCIS M. MAnours. Witnesses:

JOHN P. DOYLE, EDGAR A. ULBRICH'I. 

